Insider Trips
TUSCANY & Umbria
RIVER
famiglia internazionale! When you sign up your trip is guaranteed
>
CHIANTI CLASSICO
>
TUSCAN COOKING LESSONS
>
SIENA’S DUOMO
>
OLIVE OIL TASTINGS
O
N
stellar wine and cuisine make Tuscany and Umbria ideal destinations for culturally curious travelers. This region is a second home for us: Backroads has had an office in Tuscany for 20 years. We’ve also built relationships with local people who know the area intimately, who can peel back its layers and reveal its passionate heart. We’re excited to offer this trip filled with special events and encounters – from a behind-thescenes exploration of Florence to fun-filled cooking classes – giving you the most indepth Italian experience possible. You’ll meet artists, chefs and historians who are happy to tell you their stories and share their expertise. And when you return home, don’t be surprised if you’ve become part of an extended
AR
Ageless scenery, rich history and, of course,
16
JEFF CANTARUTTI OUR MAN IN CHIANTI
Florence
Vagliagli Siena
Cortona Assisi Deruta Orvieto
Todi Collevalenza
TIMELESS HILL TOWNS Within their stone ramparts, the proud hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria offer a blissful escape from the 21st century. With local expert Giovanni Adreani, explore Cortona from its Etruscan tombs to its historic neighborhoods. In Todi, linger in the Piazza del Popolo, one of the prettiest squares in Italy. And uncover Assisi with guide Rosella Fiorucci, who knows Saint Francis’ hometown come la sua tasca (“like her own pocket”). BUON APPETITO! Something about Italian
cuisine appeals to the soul. Straightforward and honest, it celebrates fresh ingredients prepared with minimal manipulation — proud but not boastful. A glass of red wine, thinly sliced prosciutto, warm bruschetta, some aged parmigiano reggiano splashed with balsamic vinegar — it’s habit forming! Discover the joys of the Italian table in true Backroads style, with a cooking demonstration and hands-on lesson, an exclusive chocolate factory tour, superb picnics and unforgettable dinners. SENSATIONAL SIENA Fall in love with Siena as you explore the city’s handsome medieval center with local guide Laura Antoni. Learn about its 17 fiercely competitive contrade
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CYPRESS-LINED LANES
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(districts). Admire the black-and-white striped façade and exuberant ornamentation of the Duomo. Linger at the Piazza del Campo and imagine how it looks twice a year — filled with dirt, galloping horses and frenzied spectators — during the city’s famous Palio bareback race. “THE SUN OF ITALY IN A BOTTLE” Even if
you’re new to the pleasures of the vine, this trip is sure to unleash your inner oenophile. Enjoy a private tasting of Chianti Classico produced on the vineyard-covered estate of Borgo Scopeto, just outside of Siena. Down south on a lofty Umbrian hilltop is Orvieto, where you can try the fine white wines that have been praised by artists, poets and nobles since the Middle Ages. Though the dry version predominates, also be sure to taste the semisweet abboccato variety. Cin cin! UMBRIAN EYE CANDY The origin of Italian ceramics dates back to the Etruscans, but it was not until the Renaissance that the art of majolica reached its full splendor, with brilliant colors and refined decorations. In Deruta, one of the world’s oldest ceramics centers, you can paint your own piece during our private class at a prestigious regional pottery producer.
CERAMICS IN DERUTA
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PREMIERE INNS RELAIS BORGO SCOPETO Vagliali (2 nights): You’ll feel as if you’re in a medieval stone village during your stay at this elegant and welcoming hotel, set amid classic Tuscan scenery and featuring two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a jogging track, immaculate gardens and superb views of nearby Siena. VILLA DI PIAZZANO Cortona (1 night): Sitting just outside of town, this 15th-century manor house features a swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an expansive formal Italian garden. RELAIS TODINI Collevalenza (2 nights): Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts at this elegant hotel, set in a 14th-century castle on a hilltop with sweeping views.
SECRET HISTORY OF ASSISI
Jeff draws on a passionate Italian heritage to create unforgettable Insider experiences: “My father was twice knighted by Italy’s government for his efforts in promoting Italian culture in the U.S. And I can show up at the homes of my Italian cousins anytime.” Now our Regional Manager in Italy, Jeff has led Tuscan trips since 1994. “From the first moment, I knew I’d be coming back forever. And thanks to the local friendships I’ve cultivated over the years, our trips have an authenticity that can’t be matched.”
DETAILS PREMIERE INNS Length: 6 days, 5 nights Meet: Florence, Italy Depart: Orvieto, Italy Price: $4,398 to $4,998 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: May 18, June 1, July 20, September 7, 14, October 5 Family Trips: June 22, 29, August 10 CASUAL INNS Length: 6 days, 5 nights Meet: Florence, Italy Depart: Orvieto, Italy Price: $3,398 to $3,798 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: May 25, June 15, August 31, September 21 Family Trips: July 6, 13, 27, August 3
Call or see the Web for a detailed itinerary. 800-462-2848 • www.backroads.com
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RIVER
famiglia internazionale! When you sign up your trip is guaranteed
>
CHIANTI CLASSICO
>
TUSCAN COOKING LESSONS
>
SIENA’S DUOMO
>
OLIVE OIL TASTINGS
O
N
stellar wine and cuisine make Tuscany and Umbria ideal destinations for culturally curious travelers. This region is a second home for us: Backroads has had an office in Tuscany for 20 years. We’ve also built relationships with local people who know the area intimately, who can peel back its layers and reveal its passionate heart. We’re excited to offer this trip filled with special events and encounters – from a behind-thescenes exploration of Florence to fun-filled cooking classes – giving you the most indepth Italian experience possible. You’ll meet artists, chefs and historians who are happy to tell you their stories and share their expertise. And when you return home, don’t be surprised if you’ve become part of an extended
AR
Ageless scenery, rich history and, of course,
16
JEFF CANTARUTTI OUR MAN IN CHIANTI
Florence
Vagliagli Siena
Cortona Assisi Deruta Orvieto
Todi Collevalenza
TIMELESS HILL TOWNS Within their stone ramparts, the proud hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria offer a blissful escape from the 21st century. With local expert Giovanni Adreani, explore Cortona from its Etruscan tombs to its historic neighborhoods. In Todi, linger in the Piazza del Popolo, one of the prettiest squares in Italy. And uncover Assisi with guide Rosella Fiorucci, who knows Saint Francis’ hometown come la sua tasca (“like her own pocket”). BUON APPETITO! Something about Italian
cuisine appeals to the soul. Straightforward and honest, it celebrates fresh ingredients prepared with minimal manipulation — proud but not boastful. A glass of red wine, thinly sliced prosciutto, warm bruschetta, some aged parmigiano reggiano splashed with balsamic vinegar — it’s habit forming! Discover the joys of the Italian table in true Backroads style, with a cooking demonstration and hands-on lesson, an exclusive chocolate factory tour, superb picnics and unforgettable dinners. SENSATIONAL SIENA Fall in love with Siena as you explore the city’s handsome medieval center with local guide Laura Antoni. Learn about its 17 fiercely competitive contrade
>
CYPRESS-LINED LANES
>
(districts). Admire the black-and-white striped façade and exuberant ornamentation of the Duomo. Linger at the Piazza del Campo and imagine how it looks twice a year — filled with dirt, galloping horses and frenzied spectators — during the city’s famous Palio bareback race. “THE SUN OF ITALY IN A BOTTLE” Even if
you’re new to the pleasures of the vine, this trip is sure to unleash your inner oenophile. Enjoy a private tasting of Chianti Classico produced on the vineyard-covered estate of Borgo Scopeto, just outside of Siena. Down south on a lofty Umbrian hilltop is Orvieto, where you can try the fine white wines that have been praised by artists, poets and nobles since the Middle Ages. Though the dry version predominates, also be sure to taste the semisweet abboccato variety. Cin cin! UMBRIAN EYE CANDY The origin of Italian ceramics dates back to the Etruscans, but it was not until the Renaissance that the art of majolica reached its full splendor, with brilliant colors and refined decorations. In Deruta, one of the world’s oldest ceramics centers, you can paint your own piece during our private class at a prestigious regional pottery producer.
CERAMICS IN DERUTA
>
PREMIERE INNS RELAIS BORGO SCOPETO Vagliali (2 nights): You’ll feel as if you’re in a medieval stone village during your stay at this elegant and welcoming hotel, set amid classic Tuscan scenery and featuring two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a jogging track, immaculate gardens and superb views of nearby Siena. VILLA DI PIAZZANO Cortona (1 night): Sitting just outside of town, this 15th-century manor house features a swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an expansive formal Italian garden. RELAIS TODINI Collevalenza (2 nights): Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts at this elegant hotel, set in a 14th-century castle on a hilltop with sweeping views.
SECRET HISTORY OF ASSISI
Jeff draws on a passionate Italian heritage to create unforgettable Insider experiences: “My father was twice knighted by Italy’s government for his efforts in promoting Italian culture in the U.S. And I can show up at the homes of my Italian cousins anytime.” Now our Regional Manager in Italy, Jeff has led Tuscan trips since 1994. “From the first moment, I knew I’d be coming back forever. And thanks to the local friendships I’ve cultivated over the years, our trips have an authenticity that can’t be matched.”
DETAILS PREMIERE INNS Length: 6 days, 5 nights Meet: Florence, Italy Depart: Orvieto, Italy Price: $4,398 to $4,998 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: May 18, June 1, July 20, September 7, 14, October 5 Family Trips: June 22, 29, August 10 CASUAL INNS Length: 6 days, 5 nights Meet: Florence, Italy Depart: Orvieto, Italy Price: $3,398 to $3,798 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: May 25, June 15, August 31, September 21 Family Trips: July 6, 13, 27, August 3
Call or see the Web for a detailed itinerary. 800-462-2848 • www.backroads.com
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